It’s then a matter of what you want your shadow to reflect.Īs you reflect on your leadership shadow, ask yourself the following questions. You need to become the model of behavior that others will trust, emulate, and follow. Leaders are role models, and we believe that if you’re going to be a leader, you need to be one who leads On Purpose. The reality is that if you’re in a position of influence, people are going to emulate you whether you want them to or not. Basketball legend, Charles Barkley, once boldly declared to the media that he was not a role model and that kids should be taught to emulate their parents, not athletes or celebrities. We’ve met leaders and up-coming leaders who, upon learning about the influence of their shadow, will shy away from assuming the burden or deny their influence altogether. They’ll mimic how their leaders behave, because if they do that, they know that they’re probably going to connect with their leaders and be viewed favorably. They want to make their boss happy with how they’re performing. We believe leaders are like dads and moms. Hit the wall… I know you will, ’cause you’re a part of me. You’ll think you’re ten feet tall… You’re gonna drop the ball. This brings to mind the song, Boy, by American singer-songwriter, Lee Brice who sings about his son who is going to be great because he does what his dad does.īoy, you’re gonna know it all.
Sons and daughters watch and emulate their fathers and mothers-the most influential people in their young lives. The best examples of this mirroring are found in our personal lives. Your attitudes and behaviors become their attitudes and behaviors. Sometimes they won’t even be aware of what they are doing. One of the more important aspects of the Shadow of a Leader is that people will watch and follow you. With this mindset, you gain the respect of others even those who disagree will hold you in higher esteem for your convictions. It’s someone who acts-someone who doesn’t just talk about the values but lives the values. In addition to Boyle’s own pay cut, 10 top executives voluntarily took a 15 percent pay reduction. His pay cut helped to keep almost 3,500 retail employees compensated during that time of uncertainty. In March 2020, when retail outlets were initially forced to close their doors because of the COVID19 pandemic, Tim Boyle, president and CEO of Columbia Sportwear Company, cut his salary to $10,000 a year while Columbia retail employees still received their regular pay. The key question you need to ask yourself is, “What is your shadow saying about you?”Ī leader’s shadow can strengthen a company’s culture and the engagement and commitment of its employees. Soon thereafter, Goodyear launched the newly developed “Aquatred Tire.” It was a huge success and Goodyear was restored to profitability.Īs leaders, we all have a shadow that we cast over others in the organization that is either positive or negative. As a result, the company paid down its debt and invested in new research and development. Goodyear employees responded to Gault’s integrity and plea to reduce costs. The word spread like wildfire among Goodyear employees that Gault believed “thrift is a virtue.” When Gault then asked all Goodyear employees to help reduce the company’s bloated costs, they already knew their leader walked the talk. He ate in the company cafeteria with the rest of the employees and got rid of executive parking spaces. When Gault arrived, he began to unplug lights and unscrew light bulbs in the former CEO’s large office to reduce costs. It is a bit of a cliché to say that they must “adapt and overcome,” but that is one of many sayings that are simply realities that have proven themselves over time.Īfter Goodyear Tire lost money in 1990 (the first time in 60 years), the board persuaded Stan Gault, a member of the Goodyear Board of Directors and former CEO of Rubbermaid, to come out of retirement and replace Goodyear’s current CEO. They have to navigate shifting landscapes, changing markets, a demanding workforce, and expectations of boards and outside constituents. It’s a heavy burden to consider for people who want to be leaders. The reality is that organizations become “Shadows of their Leaders.” This is the badge of honor that comes with being a leader. They’re accountable for creating the experiences of employees, customers, and the communities they serve. On Purpose leaders must own and lead the behaviors that shape the culture of an organization.
0 kommentar(er)
